For infants, where should the AED pads be placed?

When using an AED on an infant, the pads should be placed in an anterior/posterior position. This means that one pad is placed on the chest (anterior) and the other on the back (posterior) of the infant. This positioning allows for the most effective delivery of the electrical shock across the heart, maximizing the chances of restoring a normal heart rhythm in cases of cardiac arrest.

The anterior/posterior placement is especially important for infants due to their smaller body size and the need to ensure the electric current can pass effectively through the heart. This position helps avoid potential interference with the lungs and other organs, which may be more pronounced in smaller patients.

In contrast, other placements, such as adjacent to the shoulders or centered on the abdomen, do not provide the optimal pathway for the electrical current and may not achieve the necessary defibrillation effect. Thus, for pediatric patients, particularly for infants, following the guidelines for the anterior/posterior pad placement is crucial for the effectiveness of the AED.